Greater Phoenix Chamber CEO named executive of the year

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s (GPCC) President and CEO, Todd Sanders, has been named Executive of the Year by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE).

The Executive of the Year Award recognizes a chamber CEO for outstanding performance over the last year. Candidates are judged in five areas of expertise including finance, communications, legislative action and membership services performed by the Chamber.

“I am so honored by this,” said Sanders. “The community of Chamber Executives that I have the privilege of meeting, connecting with and working with on a daily basis are doing extraordinary things. Together, with our small but mighty Chamber staffs, we are changing the perception of Chambers of Commerce and bettering our communities.”

The Executive of the Year Award is awarded to a Chamber of Commerce CEO based on their leadership qualities, the financial health of the organization they lead, the services they provide and the community work done by the organization.

During Sanders’ tenure, GPCC has enhanced membership offerings for local businesses, advocated for pro-growth policies and protected businesses from burdensome regulations. He has also expanded the organization to concentrate on key initiatives including growing the local economy by focusing on existing businesses, developing workforce and talent pipelines and promoting regional wellness.

Sanders has led GPCC as the President and CEO for nine years. Prior to assuming his current role, he represented the interests of the business community at the state legislature as GPCC’s Vice President of Public Affairs.

“The only reason I am standing here is because the people that I work with,” said Sanders. “It is through our efforts as team that we’ve been able to move the Greater Phoenix Chamber into a new scope of work, and as a result, move Phoenix’s economy forward.”

Sanders and GPCC recognize that a healthy economic environment and a thriving community helps support all businesses across every industry. As result, GPCC focuses on supporting community development through the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, with an emphasis on business retention and expansion, workforce development and promoting a healthy community.

Prior to his time at GPCC, Sanders served as a Policy Analyst for the Arizona House of Representatives in the areas of taxation, environment, political subdivisions and international trade.

Sanders is a native of Bogotá, Colombia and a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.

Currently, Sanders actively participates in numerous organization. He serves on the board of directors for the following organizations: Valley of the Sun United Way, Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation, Equality Health, Visit Phoenix, Friends of Public Radio, the Arizona-Mexico Commission, Arizona Town Hall, Arizona Chamber Executives, Western Association of Chamber Executives, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and CALA Alliance.